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Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP) Foreign Trade Market: Current Status and Prospects

2025-05-27 13:46:01 hits:0

Ductile iron pipe (DIP) is a type of pipeline formed by centrifugal casting of molten iron with a spheroidizing agent added, using a high-speed centrifugal ductile iron casting machine. DIP boasts advantages such as high pressure resistance, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation, making it the preferred material for urban water supply and drainage networks.


Its key benefits include:

1) high ductility, reducing the likelihood of damage and enabling it to replace steel pipes;

2) inherent corrosion resistance due to its iron-based composition, ensuring corrosion resistance for centuries underground.

According to statistics, China’s DIP production reached 8.717 million tons in 2023, with a demand of 8.471 million tons and a market size of 68.9 billion RMB (Source: Zhiyan Consulting Research Team).自锚管581C08008EE5C08F9040100A0C1

Market Trends: Global Demand Driven by Infrastructure and Environmental Goals  

DIP has become a core material for global water pipeline construction due to its pressure resistance, impact resistance, and corrosion resistance. The global market size reached $7.064 billion in 2023 and is expected to exceed $9.8 billion by 2030 (Source: QYResearch).  The growth is primarily driven by:  


1. Infrastructure Expansion  

In developing countries, accelerated urbanization in regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East has increased demand for water supply and drainage networks. These areas often rely on imports for large-scale projects due to insufficient local production capacity.  

2. Environmental Replacement

Developed countries are accelerating the phase-out of gray cast iron pipes, with DIP achieving a penetration rate of over 80%. Its recyclable nature aligns with global carbon neutrality trends.

3. Technological Breakthroughs

Chinese manufacturers have continuously expanded their international market share through technological innovation and industrial upgrading, now accounting for over 40% of global production.

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Regional Market Characteristics and Trends

The global ductile iron market is broadly divided into developed regions and dynamically developing economies:


  • Developed Markets (e.g., the U.S., EU): Stable demand but high market entry barriers due to strict standards.

  • Emerging Markets (e.g., Southeast Asia, Middle East): Rapid urbanization drives strong demand for high-quality castings, offering significant growth potential.


In China, DIP has become the preferred material for water supply networks, with a continuously growing market size. Driven by technological advancements and rising demand, market competition has intensified. Meanwhile, the "Belt and Road" initiative has provided opportunities for Chinese DIP enterprises to expand into international markets and enhance their competitiveness.

Key Challenges in Foreign Trade

The DIP foreign trade market faces challenges such as fluctuations in international trade policies, exchange rate volatility, and rising raw material costs, which may increase operational costs and reduce market competitiveness. Additionally, diverse market demands, technical standards, and certification requirements across countries pose significant entry barriers.

Deepening Global Market Presence to Support Infrastructure Upgrades

In recent years, Tiegu has intensified its international market expansion and accelerated its market expansion under the Belt and Road initiative, further enhancing its brand visibility. In 2024, Tiegu-distributed DIP products were exported to over 20 countries and regions, enjoying high recognition in both domestic and international markets. In 2025, with numerous foreign clients visiting for negotiations, the company is poised to achieve a new high in export sales. Tiegu remains committed to quality and service, collaborating with partners to open new chapters in the market.

Tiegu: A Leading Ductile Iron Pipe Supplier

As a leading ductile iron pipe (DIP) supplier, Tiegu is renowned for its premium product quality, rigorous manufacturing processes, and strong market reputation, delivering reliable product services and after-sales support.


  • Quality and Price Control: Ensuring secure and competitive supply with full traceability.

  • Full Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive after-sales service, including technical support and quality guarantees.

  • Diverse Transportation Options: Flexible logistics solutions via sea, rail, or land, supporting 20-foot container shipments and bulk orders.


Seize the opportunity of Chinese foundry resources now by contacting Tiegu immediately!

Online Form: Fill in your contact information and requirements, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Email: zbw@tiegu.net

WeChat: 17354165223 (Chinese/English bilingual customer service)

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Why Choose Tiegu?

✅ First-hand Resources: Direct connection with China's leading smelters and casting factories, eliminating intermediate markups.

✅ Risk Control: Provide upfront compensation for quality disputes and daily compensation for logistics delays.

✅ Localized Services: Local teams in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia, with 7×12-hour response.



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